Chapter 10 Damon The moment 1 stepped into the hall , the scents of perfume , nervous sweat , and lingering anticipation assaulted my senses . The masked women stood in perfect rows , their bodies tense as they waited for my approach . Zane stirred within me , restless , searching . Then , it hit me . A scent unlike the others reached me . It wasn't the overpowering floral notes many of these women had drenched themselves in . No , this was different . It was unpolished , unaltered . Like the first breath of air after a storm . It was faint and wholly intoxicating . Rain - soaked earth mixed with jasmine and sandalwood . I found myself moving before I had even made a conscious decision , following the scent to its source . Zane rumbled with approval . That one , he urged . She smells perfect . Choose her . I stopped behind the woman . She stood still , her masked face turned slightly as if sensing my presence . The dim lighting of the hall cast shadows along the curve of her neck , along her arm . " What happened here ? " The question escaped my mouth before I registered the thought . There was a brief hesitation in her response but I was too transfixed on her skin to really notice . " It was from training ; my wolf doesn't always heal me fully . " Without thinking , I reached out , trailing my fingers along the jagged pattern of scars . I catalogued each one and turned her hand over , to see if there were more . Her palm was warm , small , calloused . Definitely not what I expected . These weren't the marks of a pampered noble . They were the remnants of struggle . Work . Discipline . " Were you doing a lot of household chores for your Pack ? " Her breath hitched while my brain finally caught up with the sound of her voice and the realization hit me like a blow . This was the same girl who had tried to use a hairpin to rise to power . The same one who had the audacity to argue with the other women earlier . The one who met my gaze with defiance instead of submission . My grip on her hand tightened for a fraction of a second . Then Flet go . Instinctively . Almost violently . Zane growled in protest . You might have hurt her he warned , his voice edged with disapproval . Be careful . The injury she has is unusual . I barely heard him . My mind was racing . It wasn't just that she had ulterior motives , it was the resemblance . 1/4 +15 Banus Even masked , even in a room full of other women , she stood out . The way she carried herself , the way she didn't cower like the others was too familiar . It was like seeing a ghost . Zane's voice was quieter this time , more thoughtful . She looks like Natalie . My jaw clenched . like Natalie . She's not This is a good thing , he continued . Especially when she dared to argue with the others this afternoon . Just like Na the type to scheme behind your back . We like females like her . My gut twisted . No , I didn't need a reminder of Natalie . I didn't want an imitation , some cheap replacement wearing her face . She is not Natalie I reminded Zane . She never will be . I felt a sharp , unexpected irritation rise in my chest , making my patience snap . Without another word , I turned and strode past the other women , ignoring the way their gazes followed me . A part of me was still aware of Elena's scent lingering on my skin from the brief contact , of the strange pull that I refused to acknowledge . I needed to leave . Ronan was waiting near the entrance . He barely lifted an eyebrow at my abrupt exit as he extended a piece of parchment toward me . " Your decision , Your Majesty . " I exhaled sharply , forcing my thoughts into order . I stared at the number where Elena had stood for a long moment , then picked up my pen and began to circle it . Lila The tension in the hall was suffocating . As soon as Damon left , whispers erupted and spread through the group , every woman on edge waiting for the results . I stood in the middle of it all , their stares drilling into the back of my head . Once again , my attempt to fade into the background failed miserably . Vanessa was the first to step forward , her face barely concealing her satisfaction at this turn of events . " How convenient , " she sneered , folding her arms across her chest . " You just had to draw attention to your hand , didn't you ? what a pathetic attempt to make the Lycan King notice you . I exhaled slowly , leveling her with a steady gaze . " If I wanted attention , I'd have chosen a far more effective method than a few scars . " Vanessa's lips curled as if she wanted to snap back , but another girl - I had no idea who let out a soft scoff and cut her off . " Honestly , does it even matter ? He walked away right after , didn't he ? " She twirled a strand of golden hair around her finger . 2/4 Chapter 10 " Maybe he was disgusted . Maybe he's already decided to eliminate her . " A ripple of agreement spread through the group . +15 Bar " He didn't even look at anyone else after that , " another girl added with an almost eager smirk . " If you thought she was special , you're in for a rude awakening " The tension from minutes earlier shifted into a collective relief rolling through them like a wave . They wanted me gone from the selection process . They needed me gone . I let them have their moment . Let them think they were winning- Then , with a slow , deliberate tilt of my head , I asked no one in particular , " Are you so concerned about my arm because you can find anything unique about yourselves ? " Vanessa's expression flickered with anger and what I hoped was embarrassment . A few of the woman exchanged uncertain glances , as if they hadn't expected me to stand up for myself . They expected me to cower , to shrink back like a wounded pup . But they didn't know me or what I had survived . I didn't care . I'd spent my life surrounded by wolves who looked down on me . This was nothing new . And honestly , they couldn't hold a candle to the shit the real Elena pulled on me . Before anyone could fire back , the heavy doors swung open . A hush fell over the room as several guards and maids entered , their movements precise and rehearsed like a small Palace Army . At the front of the group stood a steward holding a large booklet , the selection results contained within . All around me , women straightened their posture , smoothing down their dresses and adjusting their masks , as if a single wrinkle could be the difference between acceptance and rejection . Even Vanessa went stiff beside me , her arrogant expression faltering just a little . I almost smirked . They could whisper and scheme all they wanted , but none of us knew what was about to happen next . I just hoped my name wouldn't be called . One of the maids stepped forward , clearing her throat before addressing the room . " The results of the first selection will now be announced . " A collective inhale filled the hall . Vanessa clenched her fists at her sides . The girl with golden hair looked as if she was holding back a squeal of excitement . Everyone was tense , anticipation thick in the air . I just stood there , waiting . Ready to pack my bag and get the hell out of here away from a one - sided mating pull with a Tyrant King .